Summer's just around the corner and you know what that means - VACATION!
If you'll be taking Fido or Fluffy along with you this summer your not alone. One third of pet owning households take their dog on vacations and 11% take their cats.
So, before you hit the road, check out the following tips from The American Humane Association on traveling with your pet:
1. While pets can be wonderful travelers, don't wait until you're on the road to discover that your animal is not. Prior to your vacation, take short car trips to see how your pet reacts. If your pet is unable to adjust to life on the road, you may decide to leave him in the care of a pet sitter or kennel.
2. When planning your trip, consult the list below of national hotel chains who accept pets at many of their locations: Days Inn of America 800-325-2525 Econo-Lodges & Econo-Travel 800-446-6900 Holiday Inn 800-465-4329 Howard Johnson 800-654-2000 La Quinta Motor Inn 800-531-5900 Ramada Inn 800-228-2828 Sheraton Hotels 800-325-3535 *Quality Inn 800-228-5151 (includes information for Comfort Inns, Clarion Hotels and Sleep Inns)
There are also many books published on places to stay that welcome guests with pets. One of those is called "Vacationing with Your Pet" by Eileen Barish. The book contains over 23,000 listings of hotels, motels, inns, ranches and B&Bs all over the U.S. and Canada.
3. If you plan to camp, check the camping guide books at local auto clubs to see which campgrounds and public parks allow pets and under what circumstances. Some national parks and forests allow dogs but only on a firmly-secured leash at all times.
4. Prior to leaving for your trip, take your pet to the veterinarian for a physical. If immunizations are up-to-date, your veterinarian will issue a health and rabies certificate which you'll need if you're crossing state lines, staying at a hotel which requires current vaccinations, or boarding your pet at a kennel during the trip.
5. Once your suitcase is packed, it's time to prepare your pet's travel kit. Pack the following: at least two leashes (a short lead for gas stations and city stops and a long lead for rest stops), water and feeding dishes, bedding, favorite toys, medication (if needed), a scooper and plastic bags for dogs, a litter pan and disposable litter for cats, towels (in case your animal gets wet or is injured), paper towels for quick clean-ups. Also, check with your veterinarian on items you can include in a basic first aid kit such as: tweezers, flea powder, and antibiotic creams and soaps.
6. A sudden change in food or water can give your pet an upset stomach. Bring enough of your pet's regular food to last for the duration of the trip. And, gradually introduce your pet to water from different locations by bringing along a bottle of water from home and refilling while on the road.
7. More than nine million pets are lost each year. Of these lost animals, only about 16 percent of the dogs and two percent of the cats are ever located by their owners. Keep a current ID tag on your pet and possibly add a second tag when traveling that has your veterinarian's or friend's phone number, since you'll not be home if someone calls with your found pet.
8. Once on the road, you should keep your pet in a well-ventilated carrier or secured by a seatbelt specially designed for animals. It takes only a moment of excitement for a well- disciplined animal to break training and begin leaping around the car. And, in an accident, an unsecured animal can be severely injured or killed.
9. Make frequent rest stops, so your pet won't get restless. At rest stops, attach the leash to your pet's collar before you open the car door-even if you're planning to let him out right away. Your pet might get excited and bolt from the car. And, never trust your pet off the leash when traveling. Even the best trained pet can feel frightened in new surroundings.
10. If your dog must be left alone in a hotel room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door, and inform the front desk.
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